The Hook Entertainment Makes Nollywood Debut with Psychological Thriller “Unclaimed”

It was an exhilarating and fun-filled evening in the heart of Lagos as film and media professionals converged for the première of Unclaimed, a gripping Nigerian psychological drama directed by Biodun Stephen, which marks the Nollywood debut of  The Hook Entertainment. The première took place on on June 18th, 2025 at Alliance Francais, Ikoyi ahead of the release of the film in cinemas nationwide.

The event began with a red carpet session at 5pm which pulled together tastefully dressed cast and crew members, and was accompanied with an abundance of refreshment and music. Members of cast and crew spotted at the event included actors and fan favourites Kunle Remi, Timini Egbuson, Elozonam, Elma Mbadiwe, Michael Ejoor, Chuks Joseph and Jaiye Kuti, and filmmakers Biodun Stephen, Kayode Kasum and Heavens Obule, amongst others.

With the pre-screening session moderated by Michael Ejoor who gave a brief opening remark, Unclaimed began screening at 9pm to the delight of everyone present. Written by Gift Collins-Amadi and produced by Feyifunmi Oginni, the film revolves around the story of Mary, a young woman who is accused and investigated on account of killing her husband Dieko following his sudden disappearance.

The film stars Kunle Remi as Dieko, a narcissistic and psychologically disturbed husband who marries Mary, played by Elma Mbadiwe, and subjects her to a series of emotional abuse. To family and friends outside, including Mary’s parents, Dieko is the perfect, desirable gentleman with a thriving medical career. As the marriage gradually crumbles, with Mary choosing to opt out, the young woman gets into a scuffle that leaves her husband framing her up for his murder.

Enmeshed in crime, mystery and suspense, The psychological drama explores issues such as domestic violence, emotional abuse, narcissism, unhealed trauma, marital incompatibility, and the dynamics of relationships between friends, partners and family. The film also stars Norbert Young, Jaiye Kuti, Timini Egbuson, Omowunmi Dada, Teniola Aladese, Michael Ejoor, and Yemi Cregx, among others.

Reminiscing over the process of embodying the lead role, Elma Mbadiwe said: “Being Mary was a physical and emotional journey but thankfully, I had amazing actors and a fascinating director to help me achieve it. I also had producers ready and available on set, and I am glad I took it”

“The most important thing is that we address an issue of trauma, which is the focal point of the story, and how trauma, if not addressed, can trigger psychosis,” said director Biodun Stephen, highlighting the central theme of the story. “That’s pretty much what happened in the story. We’ve all been through certain things in our lives that we develop PTSD and it makes us who we are now, whether negative or positive.”

In her post-screening address, the director also said: “This film is not like our regular commercial projects that makes us laugh, but I think it’s important we know that these issues are real. If we don’t figure them out, they will break us at some point.”

Timini Egbuson, who portrayed a minor character in the film, added: “I hope you guys enjoyed it. It’s a very different type of Nollywood offering. I see that you guys were reacting and all the emotions were there. Let’s keep the same energy when we get to the box office.”

“Producing Unclaimed is more than just filmmaking, it’s about delivering a different kind of Nollywood experience— one that’s bold, authentic, and dares to tell stories in ways our industry hasn’t explored enough. I’m proud to bring this vision to life alongside my partners at The Hook Creative Agency, our production partners at FilmTrybe, and our distribution partners at FilmOne Entertainment,” said  Sam Ochonma, CEO of The Hook Entertainment & Executive Producer of Unclaimed.

Unclaimed will be available in the cinemas from June 20th, 2025.